Networking Part II
Mastering the art of purposeful connections.
About attending conferences & events
Attending conferences and events has been on my mind lately.
I've been considering their importance and how often one should attend them.
Also, how to get the most out of them.
There are many ways to approach attending a conference, and I won't criticize anyone's personal style.
In fact, I would love to learn more about yours!
Therefore, I will share my opinion on the best way to get the most out of a conference in this article.
I believe being strategic, precise, and winning in every possible sense is the key.
Remember, your contacts and network belong to you.
From an attendee’s POV:
Take a deep look…
If this is your first time attending a specific conference
Take a look at the conference’s social media account/website and see who is attending; pictures from past events could help you give an idea of what sort of activities they do and who goes where and does what…
For instance, if a 5K run or race is organized, odds are that the participants might repeat the same activity in the future.
This can be a great opportunity to connect with someone you are interested in.
It can help you break the ice and get to know them in a completely different environment, which can be a great way to build a relationship.
Be ready, have it all at hand.
It may be too obvious, but you must be ready with your “e-profile” so they can scan your information. Cell phone, email, LinkedIn, website, personal blog
Take a few pens - you never know who might need one!
It's important to review the agenda and floor plan to prepare for the event.
Locate where the breaks are held. The conference rooms or if the conference offers a networking area. Spot it and ask for details on how to use it better or save a spot.
Locate the restaurant where breakfast or lunch will be held and also where the networking drinks are.
A bar is a great way to catch someone while they are refreshing themselves a bit.
Review the attendee list.
Make a list of who you want to contact or talk to.
If possible, send them a LinkedIn request saying you will attend the same event and would like to connect with them.
Be specific. Be curious, and do not wait for things to happen. Make things happen for you.
Moments at events happen in a blink of an eye. So, you better act and not think too much.
Consider looking them up on social media to build a deeper connection with someone.
Review their posts by taking a moment to understand their interests and personal life.
If someone shares about their personal interests, use that information to engage in meaningful conversations beyond work-related topics.
Befriend the operations team.
This might sound a little too far.
But you never know what information they could give you that could help you achieve a certain goal (meet someone, get an invitation to that private event, any tips they know will work).
At the conference room.
Make sure to review the agenda to ensure you don't miss any important speakers or attendees you might want to connect with.
-Tip- if you are interested in talking to a certain speaker. Try to look for them before they hop on stage. This way, you might even give them feedback or compliment them once you see them afterward. (You could even offer to take a few snaps while he is upstage so he could see that content for himself or his company.)
Content content content.
Speaking about offering to take pictures…
Make sure to follow them on LinkedIn before the conference.
Comment and like their posts for a natural icebreaker when you run into them.
Take pictures.
Take notes.
Make sure to post your content on social media at the end of the day and share a quote that you heard during the conference.
Remember to tag the person who said the quote.
And don't take too long to do it.
Take advantage of the momentum from the conference to increase your contents reach.
-Tip- Tag the event in your post to get an extra boost!
Create your own event within the event.
There are always opportunities to make the most of every moment during a conference.
If you want to connect with a particular group of people, you could invite them to a bar, restaurant, or even a small event where you can talk and exchange ideas.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an event in Chicago where I learned about Wrigley Field from a true expert.
The legendary stadium is home to the Chicago Cubs, and the expert organized a mini tour that provided insights into the building's history and significance in Chicago.
We were also shown around all the amenities.
To make the experience even more memorable, the expert gave personalized baseball jerseys to every attendee.
It was a fantastic opportunity to have fun and build relationships outside of the usual conference context.
Not to mention the follow-up conversations that this led to….
Once you’ve established contact with them, follow up!
Remember to reach out to your contacts after the conference is over.
Don't wait too long to reach out to them via email.
Be specific about what you want from them and remind them of what you discussed.
If you're planning a trip to their hometown soon, invite them over for something they'd enjoy, like a run, hike, coffee, or any activity that would allow you to build a stronger relationship.
Remember, your contacts and network belong to you.
If you build and care about them the right way, they'll stick with you through any changes in your job or situation.
Don't treat your relationship with them as purely transactional.
Building a strong and healthy relationship takes effort and preparation.
Make sure you create an environment where the connection can flourish.
This won't happen by chance, so identify who you want to connect with and why.
Conclusion
Attending conferences and events can help in professional growth and networking.
To make the most out of it, research and plan ahead, network proactively, and even consider creating your event within the event.
Build deep connections with others by going beyond work-related topics.
Leverage social media and follow up promptly after the conference.
Cultivate genuine connections that will stay with you throughout your career.
- Andrés Zablah, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Enumma
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